Peter von Winter (Aug. 28, 1754 - Oct. 27, 1825) as a German composer, predominantly known for his operas, and an important step in the development of German opera.

Born in Mannheim, Winter was a violin prodigy, and studied with Antonio Salieri in Vienna. in 1778 he moved to Munich to become director of the court theater and started writing ballets and melodramas around the same time. In 1787 he became a Kappellmeister in Munich, Kappellmeister in 1798. Between 1778 and 1820, Winter would go on to write 30 operas.

In addition to writing operas, Winter wrote sacred music and chamber music, including his Octet, written for wind and strings (violin, viola, cello or double bass, flute, clarinet, bassoon, and horn 1 and 2). Written in 1813, this piece work opens with a major chord, then a violin part moving up by half steps and the work blossoms from there. The main motifs are shared by strings and winds alike in the energetic and cheerful Allegro. The adagio starts with a beautiful wind opening echoed by the strings, The flute announces the first real theme, and is then followed the clarinet, and later on the winds play the melody together with strings providing a scale-like line underneath. The strings start off the last movement, a Rondo, with the winds following in turn. It's a delightful work with wonderful melodies and great parts for both winds and strings!

Here's a recording of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Consortium Classicum